City works to revitalize district

Elkhart complex demolished for building of single-family homes.

Elkhart complex demolished for building of single-family homes.

June 10, 2006|YONIKA WILLIS Tribune Staff Writer

ELKHART -- Residents along Division Street awoke to the commotion of tumbling bricks, shattering glass and heavy machinery Friday morning. The clamor was the sound of the beige and brick two-story apartment complex at 150 Division St. collapsing. The demolition is part of a revitalization project to restore the city's historic neighborhoods by building new homes and restoring existing ones. "We're removing this ugly building and hoping to replace this with a couple of houses that will have families," said Mayor Dave Miller, who was wearing a white hard hat Friday morning. Once home buyers are secured, they will have the opportunity to choose from one of three homes designed with characteristics unique to the historic neighborhood to occupy the site. "I'm glad to see it go," James Miller said Friday as he watched a pile of rubble form at 150 Division. Miller, who lived in the complex for five years, moved out three months ago. "There was drug activity," he said of his former residence. "It was real bad." The 1970s-style apartment complex looked out of place amid the single-family homes along the one-way cobblestone street. And up until about a month ago, the 10-unit structure was full of tenants. Now, it's the first of many buildings along State and Division streets to come down and be replaced with single-family homes being made available for home ownership. "This has been a problem area," said Crystal Welsh, communications division manager for Elkhart. "It was such a nuisance and (this is) a good way of letting people know we're serious." It's also a good way to kick off National Home Ownership Month. James Miller said neighborhood residents are thrilled at the thought of having good neighbors and nice buildings back in their community. "This is going to improve the neighborhood," he said as a cloud of dust and debris from Friday's demolition drifted into the sky. "It should have been done five years ago." Staff writer Yonika Willis: ywillis@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6556